Over 80 dogs discovered in unsanitary conditions at Brooklyn residence following owner’s death.

In a troubling case of animal hoarding, over 80 neglected and malnourished dogs were removed from a dilapidated residence in Brooklyn, New York, following the death of their 73-year-old owner. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday morning, has raised significant concerns among local animal welfare organizations and law enforcement.

Police from the 63rd Precinct responded to calls at approximately 6:45 a.m. after reports indicated the homeowner had been found deceased in her home located on East 66th Street, near National Drive in the Mill Island neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of the woman inside a small, single-family house that was overcrowded with dogs.

The New York City Animal Care Centers (ACC), alongside the ASPCA, coordinated efforts to rescue the dogs from the unsanitary conditions. Reports indicated that many of the animals were severely matted, appeared to be ill, and at least one was in the process of giving birth during the emergency response. The dogs were found living amid waste and piles of dry dog food, highlighting the dire situation they had been subjected to.

Animal rescue organizations mobilized quickly to assist with the challenging task of safely removing the animals from the property. They utilized individual carriers to transport each dog, ensuring their immediate evaluation and care upon arrival at nearby shelters. As news of the rescue spread, support poured in from various animal advocacy groups throughout Brooklyn and beyond, demonstrating a community effort to address the crisis.

Local residents had reported longstanding concerns regarding the condition of the home and the welfare of the dogs. Some neighbors shared that they had complained to authorities multiple times yet felt their concerns had gone largely unaddressed. The ACC voiced a sentiment shared by many in the community, emphasizing a need for proactive measures rather than anger in response to such tragic circumstances.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death for the homeowner. This incident follows a recent case in which nearly 50 malnourished Belgian Malinois dogs were rescued from an equally deplorable situation in a Queens apartment, where the owner faced multiple charges of animal cruelty.

As these cases illustrate the pressing issues of animal neglect and hoarding, local animal welfare organizations continue to call for increased awareness and resources to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.